Virginia’s climate is quite diverse, due to a number of geographical features
of the commonwealth’s landscape. The Atlantic Ocean, with its warm Gulf Stream current off the Virginia coast, is the most dominant climate and weather modifier
for the state. Winter storms typically track from west to east across the country,
but as they approach the east coast, move northeastward paralleling the coast
and the Gulf Stream. This can result in significant rain or snowfall along the
eastern slopes and foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which can spill
over into the Rockbridge area.

The state’s rivers and streams also affect the climate, with airflows either up or down the valleys being alternately conducive or not conducive to rainfall.

The Rockbridge area’s elevation, generally 1000 to 1500 feet above sea level, tends to make average temperatures a bit lower than those of the Piedmont region to the east, with its lower elevations.

Extreme weather conditions – tornadoes, hurricanes and severe thunderstorms, while not unknown, are not common in the Rockbridge area. The area is shielded somewhat by the Blue Ridge Mountains from storms going up the coast, although we can get significant rainfall.

Here are some statistics on the climate of the area. Measurements are from a reporting station in Lexington.